New Canaan football team dominates Daniel Hand

Jon Chik

Updated 2:37 pm, Thursday, September 12, 2013

New Canaan's Cole Harris, # 2, at right, scores a touchdown on an second quarter interception during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. At left, Daniel Hand's Tim D'Annolfo, # 21, closes in for the tackle but Harris has already crossed the goal line for the score.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan's Cole Harris, # 2, at right, scores a touchdown on an...

At left, New Canaan quarterback Nick Cascione, # 15, runs the ball during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At left, New Canaan quarterback Nick Cascione, # 15, runs the ball...

At right, Teddy Bossidy, # 6 of New Canaan, leads a pre-game cheer before the start of the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. At left are teammates, Frank Cognetta, #4, and Liam Harris, # 19.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At right, Teddy Bossidy, # 6 of New Canaan, leads a pre-game cheer...

As Daniel Hand defender Reid Sweitzer, # 25, turns his back to look for the ball, New Canaan receiver Jack Gilio, # 3, catches it for a second quarter touchdown during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

As Daniel Hand defender Reid Sweitzer, # 25, turns his back to look...

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, throws a pass during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, throws a pass during...

New Canaan Head Football Coach, Lou Marinelli, reacts during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan Head Football Coach, Lou Marinelli, reacts during the...

Cole Turpin, # 9 of New Canaan, runs the ball upfield during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Cole Turpin, # 9 of New Canaan, runs the ball upfield during the...

At left, Scott Sweitzer, # 7 of Daniel Hand, attempts to take down New Canaan's Alex LaPolice, # 7, on a running play during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At left, Scott Sweitzer, # 7 of Daniel Hand, attempts to take down...

Jack Gilio, # 3, of New Canaan, advances the ball upfield on a pass play during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Jack Gilio, # 3, of New Canaan, advances the ball upfield on a pass...

At left, Alex Dobbin, # 10 of New Canaan, pressures Daniel Hand quarterback, Hayden Atwater, # 15, during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At left, Alex Dobbin, # 10 of New Canaan, pressures Daniel Hand...

At right, Teddy Bossidy, # 6 of New Canaan, breaks up a pass play to receiver, Josh DeMartino, # 1 of Daniel Hand, during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At right, Teddy Bossidy, # 6 of New Canaan, breaks up a pass play...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

At center, New Canaan student Taylor Ferguson watches the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At center, New Canaan student Taylor Ferguson watches the football...

Jack Gilio, # 3, of New Canaan, advances the ball upfield on a pass play during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Jack Gilio, # 3, of New Canaan, advances the ball upfield on a pass...

Teddy Bossidy, # 6 of New Canaan, runs the ball upfield during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Teddy Bossidy, # 6 of New Canaan, runs the ball upfield during the...

Michael Root # 1 of New Canaan, right, tackles Daniel Hand running back Conor Dowd, # 5, during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Michael Root # 1 of New Canaan, right, tackles Daniel Hand running...

At right, Cole Harris, # 2 of New Canaan, closes in to tackle Dan Rogers, # 28 of Daniel Hand, during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At right, Cole Harris, # 2 of New Canaan, closes in to tackle Dan...

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, throws a pass during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, throws a pass during...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Cheerleader, Tanaijah Carrafiello, 15, a New Canaan High School sophomore, leads a cheer during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Cheerleader, Tanaijah Carrafiello, 15, a New Canaan High School...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

At right, Michael Root # 1 of New Canaan carries Old Glory onto the field at the start of the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.

Alex Dobbin # 10 of New Canaan during the National Anthem before the start of the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Alex Dobbin # 10 of New Canaan during the National Anthem before...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

At right, Robert E. Mallozzi III, New Canaan first selectman, tosses the coin before the start of the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At right, Robert E. Mallozzi III, New Canaan first selectman,...

The 9/11 remembrance decal on the helmet of a New Canaan football player during game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

The 9/11 remembrance decal on the helmet of a New Canaan football...

At center, New Canaan kicker Peter Swindell # 30 launches the ball on the opening kick-off to start the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At center, New Canaan kicker Peter Swindell # 30 launches the ball...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

At left, Alex LaPolice # 7 of New Canaan, catches the ball but take a vicious head-snapping hit from Scott Sweitzer, # 7 of Daniel Hand, during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At left, Alex LaPolice # 7 of New Canaan, catches the ball but take...

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, during the...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

The New Canaan High School student body cheers during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

The New Canaan High School student body cheers during the football...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

The New Canaan student body cheers during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

The New Canaan student body cheers during the football game between...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Jack Gilio # 3 of New Canaan runs the ball during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.

Photo: Bob Luckey

Jack Gilio # 3 of New Canaan runs the ball during the football game...

Jack Gilio of New Canaan runs the ball during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Jack Gilio of New Canaan runs the ball during the football game...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

New Canaan's Cole Turpin, # 9, and teammate, Alex LaPolice, #7, celebrate a touchdown during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan's Cole Turpin, # 9, and teammate, Alex LaPolice, #7,...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

New Canaan Freshmen Football Coach, Tom O'Donnell, smiles during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan Freshmen Football Coach, Tom O'Donnell, smiles during...

At left, New Canaan's Connor Buck, #99, pressures Daniel Hand quarterback Hayden Atwater, # 15, during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At left, New Canaan's Connor Buck, #99, pressures Daniel Hand...

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, runs the ball during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, runs the ball...

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, runs the ball during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, runs the ball...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

New Canaan's Cole Harris, # 2, at right, scores a touchdown on an second quarter interception during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. At left, Daniel Hand's Tim D'Annolfo, # 21, closes in for the tackle but Harris has already crossed the goal line for the score.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan's Cole Harris, # 2, at right, scores a touchdown on an...

New Canaan's Cole Harris, # 2, at right, scores a touchdown on an second quarter interception during football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. At left, Daniel Hand's Tim D'Annolfo, # 21, closes in for the tackle but Harris has already crossed the goal line for the score.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan's Cole Harris, # 2, at right, scores a touchdown on an...

Daniel Hand Head Football Coach, Steve Filippone, during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Daniel Hand Head Football Coach, Steve Filippone, during the...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High...

At center, Tommy Wilson # 2 of Daniel Hand was injured during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

At center, Tommy Wilson # 2 of Daniel Hand was injured during the...

Alex LaPolice # 7 of New Canaan catches the ball on a punt during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Alex LaPolice # 7 of New Canaan catches the ball on a punt during...

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, runs the ball during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

New Canaan quarterback, Nick Cascione, # 15, right, runs the ball...

Morgan Carson # 45 of New Canaan scores on a running play during the football game between New Canaan High School and Daniel Hand High School, at New Canaan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

More Information

Fact box

Page 1 of 1

NEW CANAAN -- Pick a stat. Just about any from New Canaan's season-opening demolition of Daniel Hand would probably give you a pretty good idea of how the game went.

Whether you go with New Canaan's new school record of 88 offensive plays, the fact that the Rams did not punt until the fourth quarter or Hand's eight three-and-outs, it all added up to a stunning 50-21 triumph over the defending Class L champions.

New Canaan's opening drive stalled at the Hand 2 after failing to convert on fourth-and-goal. However, Hand's first play from its own 1 resulted in a safety when Cole Harris dropped the runner in the backfield.

"It was one of those players where you kind of just feel it in the back of your mind," Harris said. "You get a feeling in the back of your mind. I guessed right and trusted my reads."

"On the very next play after we make the stop we get tackled in the end zone," Hand coach Steven Filippone said. "There's no excuse for that. It's terrible football. That was a turning point in the game. That gave momentum back to them and we had our back to the wall all day. It was the kind of stuff we did all night long."

After the free kick, New Canaan boosted its lead to 8-0 when quarterback Nick Cascione hit Alex LaPolice up the middle for a 14-yard touchdown, Cascione's first of three scoring strikes and LaPolice's first of two touchdown receptions.

"Our offense was clicking and it's tough to stop when we're clicking," Cascione said. "I was actually shocked that we ran that many plays. We were having fun with it. We beat them by this margin and we're happy about it, but they showed some real class and fought us to the very end."

Harris made another big play on defense on Hand's next possession when he picked off a pass before weaving 37 yards into the Hand end zone for a 15-0 advantage.

"(Harris) has a knack. He covers very well aside from playing the run tough," New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli said. "He has a knack for covering the pass and he just knows where to go."

Moving the ball seemingly at will New Canaan found the end zone three times out of its next four possessions to boost its halftime lead to 36-0.

New Canaan ran its lead to 43-0 on its first possession of the second half on a 12-yard touchdown run by Morgan Carson, and the enormous lead allowed Marinelli to get all of his reserves some playing time.

"Never. I never in all my wildest dreams thought this would happen," Marinelli said. "We were expecting a good game and I was just hoping we could eke it out because that is a hell of a football program."